[Agnes Strickland, historical writer and poet.] Autograph Letter Signed to Lady Ann Cullum, explaining her prolonged visit with Lady Matilda Maxwell at Pollok House near Glasgow, her writing plans, and desire to visit Hardwick House.

7pp, 32mo. On two bifoliums, stitched together. In good condition, lightly aged. Signed 'Agnes Strickland'. A nice letter with interesting content. Begins: 'Feeling all the kindness of most friendly invitation so sensibly as I do, it gives me the greater regret to be compelled to forgo the pleasure you offer me, of joining my friends Mr. & Miss Mackinnon in your charming home on the 8th of Octr. I have been tempted to linger on, in this delightful and hospitable land from day to day and week after week till the very day you have named is, by some strange fatality, that appointed for my imbarkation at Ardrossan with my young friend Lady Augusta Bruce, [(1822-1876), daughter of the Earl of Elgin, later Lady Augusta Elizabeth Frederica Stanley] the sister of Lady Matilda Maxwell, with whom I am at present staying.' She reports that she is going to spend a few days with her sister Mrs Gwillym at Ulverstone, and then I proceed home as quickly as I can via Lincolnshire and Norfolk, to my own home, where I shall have to write at the rate of ten hours a day to make up for all the time I have spent, in endeavouring to gather more information illustrative of the personal history of the Queen of James 2nd Mary D Esté. | The vol in which she makes her appearance must be out early in the new year. This ties me imperatively to time, and compels me to do violence to my own inclinations, when I give up, or rather, I hope I may be permitted to say postpone a visit to Hardwicke Hall in consequence'. She ends with compliments to Sir Thomas Cullum, and 'hoping one day to renew and improve our acquaintance so agreeably commenced'.